Massachusetts legislature refuses to overturn gay marriage
This pretty much seals the deal over gay marriage. Other states will have to honor marriage licenses granted in Massachusetts (or any other state).
BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts Legislature rejected a proposed change to the state constitution Wednesday aimed at banning gay marriage, a striking reversal that preserves the state's status as the only place in the nation where same-sex couples can wed.
Short of a (state or US) Constitutional amendment there is little anyone can do to oppose gay marriage from a legal standpoint.
Some people might be surprised at who was pushing the legislation and who had decided it was no longer appropriate:
"Gay marriage has begun, and life has not changed for the citizens of the commonwealth, with the exception of those who can now marry," said state Sen. Brian Lees, a Republican who had been a co-sponsor of the amendment. "This amendment which was an appropriate measure or compromise a year ago, is no longer, I feel, a compromise today."
The proposal also was opposed by critics of gay marriage, who want to push for a more restrictive measure.
"The union of two women and two men can never consummate a marriage. It's physically impossible," said state Rep. Phil Travis, a Democrat. "The other 49 states are right and we are wrong."
Gosh, what a bunch of intolerant people those Democrats are!
BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts Legislature rejected a proposed change to the state constitution Wednesday aimed at banning gay marriage, a striking reversal that preserves the state's status as the only place in the nation where same-sex couples can wed.
Short of a (state or US) Constitutional amendment there is little anyone can do to oppose gay marriage from a legal standpoint.
Some people might be surprised at who was pushing the legislation and who had decided it was no longer appropriate:
"Gay marriage has begun, and life has not changed for the citizens of the commonwealth, with the exception of those who can now marry," said state Sen. Brian Lees, a Republican who had been a co-sponsor of the amendment. "This amendment which was an appropriate measure or compromise a year ago, is no longer, I feel, a compromise today."
The proposal also was opposed by critics of gay marriage, who want to push for a more restrictive measure.
"The union of two women and two men can never consummate a marriage. It's physically impossible," said state Rep. Phil Travis, a Democrat. "The other 49 states are right and we are wrong."
Gosh, what a bunch of intolerant people those Democrats are!